Gustav Mahler - Des Knaben Wunderhorn
The roots of Mahler's music.
This set of songs covers are large part of the early career of Gustav Mahler. Between 1888 and 1901 he wrote three sets of songs, based on individual poems from the anthology Des Knaben Wunderhorn ("The Youth's Magic Horn") by Armin and Brentano. They became a crucial part of his following symphonies (2 - 4), each of which contains thematic links to the song-cycle. After hearing the symphonies of Mahler, many listeners approach these songs almost as an afterthought. However, when heard as an independent work, the Wunderhorn songs reflect a different side to Mahler which very few people seem to understand. He is all-too often thought of as a composer of long and confusing symphonic music, but this CD proves that his music was originated in a more compact, chamber-like style.
This recording contains the orchestral arrangements of the songs, however, the piano and voice alternative may appeal more to certain listeners. Leonard Bernstein was one of the pioneers of Mahler's music and his conducting on this recording shows his determination to convince the listener that the cycle of songs are great work, regardless of the great symphonies they influenced. Lucia Popp and Andreas Schmidt are both excellent soloists and overall the recording is excellent. For listeners who prefer the piano and voice version, the Wyn Morris version on IMP (PCD 1035), with soloists Geraint Evans and Dame Janet Baker is still the first-choice recommendation.
Label
: Deutsche Grammophon; Catalogue Number :
E4273022
Moby - Play
Multi-award winning dance/trance album.
Moby, either as a solo artist, or as a member of obscure bands, has been performing and recording for more years than most people realise. Until this album was released, he was described as "underground" by most people, fans included. This was one of the top-selling releases of 2000, winning praise from critics and fans alike. Several hit singles are included - "Porcelain", "Natural Blues" and "Why Dow My Heart Feel So Bad ?".
I approached this CD expecting great things, I had already heard the hit singles and really rated them. However, as an album I was completely shocked by what I heard. Moby lifted most of his samples from a blues compilation entitled "Natural Blues", all I can say is buy that CD instead! This was probably the most disappointing CD I have heard in the past few years, every sample used is taken "as is", with little variation or imagination used to make any samples appear "new" or exciting. If you like this type of music, buy Fatboy Slim's "You've Come A Long Way Baby" - it really puts this CD in its place, and Norman Cook really knows how to use samples in a fresh and interesting way!
Label:
Mute; Catalogue Number: CDSTUMM172
22/12/2000